Jerome A. “Jai” Isear, Jr., MS, PT, LAT, ATC, Co-Owner

Education

B.S.Ed., Health and Physical Education with a Concentration in Sports Medicine, University ofVirginia 1989

M.Ed., Health and Physical Education with a Specialization in Athletic Training, University of Virginia 1990

M.S., Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis 1996

Certifications

North Carolina Physical Therapy License

North Carolina Athletic Trainer License

National Athletic Trainer Certification

Professional Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association, Sports Section

National Athletic Trainers’ Association

Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association

North Carolina Athletic Trainers’ Association

North Carolina Chapter, American Physical Therapy Association

Professional Background

My career began as a certified athletic trainer with Healthsouth Rehabilitation Center in Richmond, Virginia. Teamed with a licensed physical therapist, I was responsible for the treatment and progression of orthopedic and sports medicine patients, development of lower extremity rehabilitation protocols and supervision of athletic training interns. I also provided athletic training coverage for various local, state and regional tournaments. I served as the athletic trainer for Mills E. Godwin High School, and I developed and implemented a student athletic trainer program for the high school. My experiences in both settings exposed me to a wide spectrum of patients with varying levels of physical and emotional needs. While with Healthsouth, I took advantage of every continuing education opportunity, the most influential of which was learning a functional approach to rehabilitation which developed the rehabilitation foundation by which I still practice today.
In 1996, I completed PT school and took a position as a staff physical therapist with Carolinas Physical Therapy Network in Charlotte, NC. In addition to my clinical rehabilitation responsibilities, I served as the rehabilitation consultant for the Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte Checkers. The most influential experience, however, was undergoing shoulder surgery and experiencing post-operative complications. Without question, that experience made me a much better shoulder therapist and created the foundation for my special interest and subspecialty in shoulder rehabilitation for many years to come.
After 7 years with CPTN, I took a position as clinical manager with Miller Orthopaedic Clinic (now OrthoCarolina) in Charlotte. I was blessed to work with some of the top Sports Medicine Physicians in the region. In addition to my management responsibilities, I continued to expand my subspecialties to include assessment of lower extremity biomechanics and fabrication of custom foot orthoses (orthotics). As my experience grew, so did my interest in education. I began lecturing locally and nationally on rehabilitation of complex knee and shoulder injuries.
In 2006, my family and I decided to simplify our lives. We moved to Wilmington, and I joined the staff of Carolina Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy. I never knew I could have so much fun while providing quality care for my patients. Working with Steve, Doug and Sue has truly been a gift and a dream come true for me. I can honestly say that even after 28 years of practice, I still love what I do, and I can’t imagine being in any other profession. The icing on the cake for me was having the opportunity to form Shoreline Physical Therapy in 2011 with Doug and Steve and to enter into the realm of business ownership. We take pride in providing the highest quality of care in a friendly and fun, yet challenging environment. I would feel privileged to have you entrust your care with me. Rest assured that I will provide my best effort, along with our team of experienced and skilled clinicians, to assist you with the rehabilitation process and optimize your recovery and quality of life.

Personal Background

Having grown up on the coast of Maryland, I have always had sand and salt air in my blood and needed to get back to my true passions: beaching, boating and fishing. When given the opportunity, you will find me with my toes in the water or hands at the helm headed offshore. I can honestly say that since moving to Wilmington, I have never looked back. God-willing, my family and I will call Wilmington “home” for the duration.
I have been married to my wife, Mitzie, for 19 years, and together we have 3 wonderful boys. We are members of Wrightsville United Methodist Church and remain active in our Church’s activities and community outreach opportunities. We strive each day to stay focused on our faith, family and having fun.